Chapter 14

Thea glanced at the man who had spoken, surprised.

Darwin introduced him and said, "This is Marcus Compton, the chairman of Chilworthy Enterprise,"

Thea bit her lip. "Mr. Compton, you're mistaken. I was responsible for managing the data, but I didn't sell it. The leak was due to my poor oversight, not Mr. Hendrix's fault."

Nicolas's expression softened. He looked up at her and said, "I brought you here to tell you two things. First, the disciplinary file on you from headquarters is confidential. As for the rumors that everyone in the company has a copy, you should investigate that yourself. "Second, after giving it some thought, I've decided to suspend you temporarily. Can you accept that?"

Thea was taken aback, feeling a lump in her throat. It wasn't because she felt wronged; it was that she hadn't expected Nicolas to remain calm and not make things unbearable for her out of anger.

"Thank you, Mr. Hendrix," she said earnestly.

Nicolas then gestured toward Marcus. "The buyer's right here. If you have more questions, you can ask him directly."

Marcus's eyes widened slightly. "Why ask me? I don't know anything. My people handled it. I just know the information was sold to me, and why wouldn't I take it?"

He flashed a mischievous grin at Nicolas. "It's rare to see you take a hit. I couldn't

pass up the chance."

sat down next to Marcus and gave a small smile. "Mr. Compton, maybe you don't know the details, but you must know which of your people contacted the person pretending to be me." Marcus raised an eyebrow, his

benefit for me?"

as everyone else is concerned, I'm already the one who leaked the data. If I say you were the buyer, who do you think they'll believe? Helping me clear my name helps you as well. Exposing the real culprit would prove you weren't involved. Marcus stood abruptly, laughing in frustration. He

a slight smile. "She just saved you from more risk,

down his business card and stormed out, still muttering curses under

in high spirits, even waving Marcus off

Marcus in my name. Do you think I

I'm not sure why maybe because you value my work. But I won't let you down."

arrived, she was shocked to find her belongings scattered outside, her former office completely changed. The once simple and professional fancy but cheap in

their eyes. "Do you realize we've all been stuck working overtime because of you? I don't know how yo can be so thick-skinned" Before Thea could respond, Madelyn's soft voice came from behind. "Don't be so harsh on her," she said,

I'm sure she regrets everything. Let's not make it harder for her, she added. People immediately chimed in, telling Madelyn she was

give you a chance, Thea. You can stay on

laugh as she bent down to pick up her things. Don't celebrate too soon, Madelyn. Just because you clawed

be out of this

and it seems you don't know yet, but headquarters issued a new rule yesterday. There'll be performance evaluations every two weeks, and the top three

this from Darwin the day before. She didn't know why the rules had changed,

eyed her with a new, more calculating gaze. Madelyn narrowed her eyes, and

the commotion, Jake rushed over and subtly positioned himself in front of Madelyn, shielding

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